USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. VII > Part 13
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Apprentices .- That noe person or persons whatsoever within this citty or the precincts and libertyes thereof hereafter bee permitted to exercise any handicraft, trade or other imployment untill he shall have served as an apprentice to some burger of this citty of such respect- ive employment for and dureing the term of ffour whole years unlesse such person or persons shall have other- wayes been sufficiently qualified for such employment and have been admitted into ye ffreedome of the sayd citty upon the payment of such admission money as herein before is mentioned upon penaltye of payeing for each offence the summe of Ten Shillings curr' money of this country.
Swine .- That from and after the first day of December next ensueing noe person or persons whatsoever shall
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By-Laws of 1686.
keep any swine or hoggs abroad in the streets or else where within the libertyes and precincts of ye sayd citty upon paine and penaltye of paying for each hogg or swine so often as it shall bee so found abroad the summe of six shillings.
Provided allways it shall and may bee lawfull to and for the mayor of the sayd citty for ye time being att his discretion to lycense such poor people as hee shall think fitt to keep hogs within the said citty precincts and libertyes thereof so allways as the number of such hoggs lycensed by each person to be kept do not exceed three. And that the hoggs of such persons so lycensed to bee kept when found abroad shall not incurr the penaltye aforesayd any thing herein contained to the contrary thereof notwithstanding.
That the hoggs so lycensed to be kept as aforesayd shall be well and sufficiently ringed upon paine and penalty of forfeiting such of them as shall bee found going abroad otherwayes.
Bread-That the mayor and aldermen for the time being doe onse every three months or oftener if they see cause ascertaine and establish the value and assize of bread to be sold by the bakers in this city and cause the same to be publickleye ffixed ou the citty hall that all persons may take notice thereof and likewise to appoynt ffitt persons to bee viewers of Bread to inspect the good- ness thereof and see that the same be of full and due assize and all bakers are to bake their bread good according to the assize so established under the penaltye of forfeiture of all such bread as shall be found not to bee good or not of the due assize as aforesayd, and twenty shillings fyne for each offense.
That the sheriff, constables and other officers of the citty doe take care and look after the due observance and execucion of these laws and orders and make com- plaint and presentmentt of the breach thereof and all the fines, penaltyes and forfeitures arising thereby shall bee disposed of in manner following: That is to say: Two thirds to be payed to the Treasurer for the use of
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City Ordinances.
ye city and one third to the sayd sheriff, constables or other officers that shall complaine or present the same except the third of all ffines and forfeitures relating to ye markett to belong to the clerk of ye market onely. * these Lawes and Orders haveing *
been openly read in Common Council now read and assented unto and ordered that the same be published.
[The blanks are in consequence of the loss of parts of the original manuscript from decay.]
[ Annals, vii.]
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(178)
ORIGIN OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS IN ALBANY.
It is difficult to determine when and where Sunday schools had their origin. The subject has given rise to a good deal of controversy. As early as 1695, the ecclesiastical synod of Germany made provision for a species of Sunday school instruction; but long before this, we are told, schools were formed in connection with some of the Roman Catholic churches of Europe, particularly at Milan about 1570. In England, they are traced to the year 1763, twenty years before the cele- brated Robert Raikes undertook the work, and there is good reason to believe that others were before that time engaged in the benevolent effort to make the sabbath subservient to the education of neglected, children in that country. But these differed very materially from our American Sunday schools.
The Rev. Johannes Megapolensis, who came over from Holland in 1642, to take spiritual charge of the Dutch and Indians, at Rensselaerswyk, was accustomed to impart catechetical instruction to the young on the sabbath; and when he closed his ministry, in 1649, with the intention of returning to Holland, he was pressed by Gov. Stuyvesant, "for the honor of God, for the increase of the church, and for the interest of men," to remain at New Amsterdam. But these motives did not change the inclinations of the dominie; it was only when these other persuasions were added: "If it were only for the instruction of the children, who are every Sunday pre- sented at the Manhattans for baptism, sometimes one, sometimes two, yea, sometimes three and four together,"
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Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
that he relented from his purpose, and consented to remain. His successors at Albany continued to give Sunday instructions to the Christian and Indian children which gathered on the sabbath for that purpose.
In the year 1813, Mr. George Upfold, who taught a private school in Van Tromp street, opened a free Sun- day school at his room, which was held from 6 to 8 o'clock in the morning, and from 12 to 2 in' the after- noon. These hours would seem of themselves suffi- ciently inconvenient to render the school irksome to the pupils ; but Mr. Upfold found other difficulties to contend with. He undertook to teach "several useful branches of English education," which did not comport with the notions of those who thought themselves entitled to lead in such matters, and the school did not prosper. His school was probably modeled after that of Robert Raikes, and was designed to teach the rudiments to the children of the poor, on Sunday, which to many was their worst day, spent idly and viciously.
The active members of all the churches gradually yielded their prejudices to Sunday schools, and in a few years they became a prominent religious institution. In November, 1822, Mr. Absalom Townsend, one of the most energetic leaders in the cause, made a report in the name of the Sunday School Society, which embodied a very complete history of the origin and progress of the different schools to that time. It is here published entire, as it appeared in the Albany Daily Advertiser of Decem- ber 3, 1822, to which we have appended a few notes.
REPORT OF THE ALBANY SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIETY.
An accurate statement can not now be given of the rise and progress of Sunday schools in this city. It has been attempted, but the attempt has failed, as facts have not been preserved from which they could be traced. This seeming neglect has arisen from the manner in which our Sunday schools were established, and the with- drawal of such of their founders as were capable of fur- nishing a correct account of them. Solely intent on
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Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
giving substantial instruction, they did not attend to pre- serving records that would exhibit its results. It has been ascertained however that while these institutions had gained an extensive footing in sister states, and neigh- boring cities and towns; and while every year brought accounts of the favorable effects from them in foreign countries, we looked on with indifference, or thought them fanatical, or met them as though we acted from the nar- row prejudice, that it was not lawful " to do good on the sabbath day. " Notwithstanding this general apathy, there were some few of more liberal views, who felt that the talent committed to them, however humble, was not given to be buried, or that active and constant bene- volence was ever separated from vital piety. Convinced of their importance, they could not delay, and without patronage, and in some cases without concert, and in others with it, they determined on laying the foundations of these laudable institutions, and to commit their issue to Him who hath promised all things needful.
The first Sunday school in this city, of which we have any account, was commenced some time in the year 1813, by Mr. William Young, in the school room of Mr. Upfold, in Van Tromp street. No records have been preserved of it, and hence the impossibility of giving any account of its number or its usefulness. From the strictures that appeared about that time in the public prints, it is presumed that it never received any patron- age or encouragement, and having constantly to contend with prejudice, it soon languished and died.
Some time in the year 1816, a Sunday school was established by certain members of the Methodist church. Commenced and pressed by a zeal that characterizes that people, it soon became respectable. It shortly numbered 272 on its books, and during its continuance was one of the best conducted and most interesting in the city. Its average attendants were 120. But owing to the estab- lishment of other schools in its vicinity, or more likely owing to the flagging of that zeal that had made so good a beginning and promised so much, it soon declined,
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Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
although this society did all they could to assist it; and it is now utterly extinct .*
About the same time, and it is not now more accurately ascertained, certain members of the Moral society in this city commenced a Sunday school in the western part of Washington, then Lyon street. It was thought that the location of it there would be the means of doing much good, as children in the extremities of the city have more temptations to play, and very few advantages of instruction. This likewise flourished. Many were gathered in it who habitually broke the sabbath, and indulged in vices; but no pecuniary assistance being afforded by the Moral society, or others, and the teachers left to the double burden of instructing and defraying its expenses, soon became wearied, and abandoned the school.
However, one has arisen from its ruins in the same place, called the Washington street Sunday school, and still continues in operation with tolerable success. It was established about two years since, by the Rev. Mr. Davis, missionary in this city, whose active benevolence is always devising new means for relieving the miseries of his fellow men. He saw the necessity of a Sunday school in that quarter, and though pressed by multiplied and urgent duties, spared time from them. Assisted by several young ladies and gentlemen, he commenced, and personally attended it every sabbath, until he left the city for the western country. Since that the school has declined. Several of its teachers have fallen off; 22 having been engaged since its commencement, only 7 of whom now attend. The number of scholars is now 41, and the average attendants 35. It is feared that this school will go down. Destitute of funds, it has no church to foster it. All its expenses for rent and neces- sary books have been derived from this society. Indeed,
* A sabbath evening school was established at Mr. Young's school- room in Washington (now South Pearl) street, in 1816, and appears to have had the support of the Moral society. It was attended by 150 children and 50 adults. (See Annals i, 79.)
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Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
the society feels no reluctance in assisting it, as far as its own limited funds will allow, as it has always esteemed it one of the most useful schools connected with it. It is hoped that the teachers who remain will not be disheartened by the many discouragements that attend them, and that they may be joined by others, who are desirous of doing good, as they will find this the most likely place to gratify their wishes.
In the month of June, 1816, certain ladies of the Reformed Dutch church opened a Sunday school in Green street, for the instruction of girls .* The number on their books was 87, and average attendants 50. It continued about a year, was suspended on account of the severity of the winter, and was revived about two years after. It is now known as the South Dutch Sunday school, and is held in that church.f It is cherished by the church to which it is attached, and is in a flourishing condition; 86 being the number of scholars, and 60 the average attend- ants; 26,749 verses having been recited the present year. Four of the teachers have joined the church while in ,the - school, and eight are professors. Their zeal to advance the interests of the school, instead of diminishing, as is generally the case with attendance, appears to have in- creased. Very favorable effects have sprung from their labors, and it is hoped that their success will long influ -. ence them to continue their efforts.
* The late Lieutenant-Governor John Tayler fitted up a room in his storehouse in Green street, which was in the rear of what is now Cooper's Building, where his daughter, Mrs. Cooper, assisted by a few pious ladies, among whom were Mrs. David Pruyn, and Mrs. Christian Miller, gathered the school which is here alluded to. These schools had not yet been admitted into the churches.
ยก The Sunday school of the South Dutch Church, as it was then called, was begun in 1818 or 1819, by Messrs. William C. Miller and Richard Varick De Witt, then just returned as graduates from Union College. They began with four boys and three girls. Gradu- ally the number of attendants increased, so as to require more teach- ers, and the school has never been interrupted to this day. It was the first Sunday school held in the church, the other experiments having been made in school rooms and other places, and not strictly sabbath schools, after the settled plan of our own day. The acces- sion of Mrs. Cooper's school was made a short time before this report.
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Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
Miss Oakie, with the aid of Miss Berbank and Aimes, in July, 1816, commenced a female Sunday school, in Beaver street. They received little or no assistance, except from teachers, yet the school prospered. In 1818, the plan was extended so as to admit male children, and it forms that useful and interesting school denominated the First Presbyterian. Its worthy principal, Mr. War- ner, having determined to leave this city, lately resigned his office. This event it was feared would affect the school. But from the discreet selection it has made of a successor, we are led to believe it will sustain no interruption.
About the Ist of September, 1816, the Young men's society commenced a Sunday school in Green street, for boys, in the school room of Messrs. Badger and Lion. It was soon filled beyond the means to accommodate them, 120 children attending; so much so, that the year follow- ing applicants for admission were turned over to that worthy and faithful instructor, Mr. Dillingham. That gentleman had commenced a Sunday school for boys, in the month of August, 1817, at the corner of Chapel and Steuben streets, * and individually had become responsible for its expenses. His zeal and faithfulness soon recom- mended the school to the notice of the Second Presby- terian church. Its worthy pastor countenanced his enterprise, and assumed his liabilities.
The school was soon after removed to the Lancasterian building. At this place, the remaining scholars of the Green street school were united with it; that having in the meantime greatly declined in zeal and in numbers. While there it was still further enlarged, by admitting girls for instruction, then bearing the name of the Chapel street Sunday school, and now that of the Second Presbyterian. It was soon after removed to the Uranian
* It was opened in a carpenter's shop, the benches serving for desks, and temporary seats were formed of such materials as the place afforded. Mr. Dillingham was assisted by Messrs. James Mc- Clure and Isaac Hutton. Mr. Archibald McClure, the present su- perintendent, has been connected with this school thirty-two years.
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Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
hall, and thence successively to the Mechanic's academy and the Albany library room, where it still continues. Thus has this offspring of piety been doomed to be a sojourner in the midst of us. Still; however, fostered by the church to which it was attached, and conducted by pious, faithful and punctual teachers, it flourished during a considerable part of its pilgrimage, beyond any school in the city, the usual number of its attendants being 180. A circumstance, however, occurred, in the domestic history of this school, which entitles it to the lasting gratitude of the friends of Sunday schools, and gave a turning influence to the encouragement and exten- sion of them in this place. On the 14th of April, 1817, the Albany Sunday School Society was formed, for the purpose of superintending, improving and assisting such Sunday schools as should put themselves under their direction.
With the countenance of so important a school as the Second Presbyterian then was, the society would have encouragement to proceed; without it, the other schools would distrust their usefulness and resist their influence. In order to deter the managers of it from uniting with the society, they were given to understand, that in that event, they must look exclusively to it for assistance. The alternatives of losing a promised and certain sup- port, or blighting the prospect of doing much good, were placed before them. They did not hesitate, but gene- rously gave up the former for the public weal; and by joining the society, put their trust in an Almighty hand, to guide and protect them. The choice made by them has been injurious to the school, its number being reduced from 180 actual attendants to 38; but upon Sun- day schools in this city, it has been invaluable. Its teachers, one and all, zealous and efficient, labored to impart their zeal to other schools, and to stir up the friends of these institutions to establish more. The consequence has been, as they must have anticipated. By multiplying Sunday schools, and with them the means of doing good, they thereby created drains that
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Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
diminished their own numbers. Since their union they have depended on themselves, and such trifling assistance as could be afforded them from the limited funds of this society. It is hoped that, injured by such disinterested acts, it may again be restored to the favor of its natural parent; and, fostered by her patronage, once more assume that rank among its sister schools, to which its virtues so eminently entitle it. Its history is intimately blended with that of Sunday schools in this city, and no small share of their present interest and usefulness is attributable to its worthy founder. A few years since, he removed to Cincinnati, in Ohio. There, in the very face of prejudice, and that ecclesiastical, he established several Sunday schools, and continues to animate and encourage them. Though absent, he has left that behind him that will long continue him in the grateful remem- brance of our poor and the benevolent.
Ten scholars have been dismissed from this school, having acquired all that is taught in them. One scholar has joined the church, and two soon after they were dismissed. .
In the month of January, 1816, Mrs. Upfold opened at her own house, with the aid of Mrs. Bocking and others, a Sunday school for the instruction of female Africans; and soon after one was established in the Uranian hall, for males. These were finally united and are the origin of that denominated the First African. The teachers of this school have always met with difficulty in obtaining a place to instruct it; and owing to the prejudice excited against the enlightening of this people, they have seen it more than once brought to the very brink of ruin. Still they persevered, although the expense, as well as labor of instructing it, fell principally upon themselves. Lately,- they acknowledged that a protecting hand had been extended to them by the Sunday school society, and that a room, free of expense, has been allowed them by the corporation of the city, in the Lancasterian building. Very considerable encouragement has rewarded their labors. Many who attended them at first, and who
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Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
hardly had a sense of decency, much less of morality or piety, they now have the satisfaction of seeing punctual and orderly in their attention, and discovering, and in many instances feeling a respect for religious ordinances. Some of them have been taught to read, who did not know their letters when they commenced. It is a mixed school, composed of 4 male and 12 female adults, and 29 boys and 20 girls. It is a pleasing circumstance reported of it, that 10 female adult scholars are professors in dif- ferent churches in this city, and that they appear to have named the name of Christ in sincerity, and to have departed from iniquity. Six of its teachers are also professors of religion; two of whom became such since they joined the school. Thus strengthening the belief, that few are ever permitted to serve their Lord for naught, and that while they benevolently lend them- selves as instruments of communicating grace to others, they are mercifully made the subjects of it themselves.
It would be unjust to pass unnoticed Mrs. Upfold and Bocking, those pious matrons and coadjutors in the establishment of this and other Sunday schools in this city. Never has it flourished as under their united and persevering exertions. Until the school was securely established, through wet and cold, or storm, trembling under the infirmities of age, and sometimes sickness, they were ever found at their posts, patiently enduring all the drudgery of teachers, and laboring as for their lives to impart spiritual instruction.
Such zeal did not pass unnoticed even by the heedless Africans. It inspired respect. They received their in- struction and their advice, as coming from the mouths of oracles; and several who connected themselves with the church, arc evidences of their earnestness and their labors. Mrs. Bocking occasionally attends, but the in- firmities of Mrs. Upfold have compelled her to retire altogether from Sunday schools.
Such examples, while they excite admiration for their selfdenial, and faithfulness to the end, cast an implied censure on many of their sex still in the vigor of life,
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Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
who affect a fear of exposing their healths, in attending to the drudgery of such duties, and yet never admit that any ill effects result from plunging into the fashionable amusements of the day.
Some time in the year 1820, soon after the Baptist African church was established in this city, certain pious young gentlemen and ladies, in order to enlighten that people, and give countenance and encouragement to their church, commenced in it a Sunday school, for the instruction of adults and children. Its average attend- ants were usually 30, and the number of verses respect- able, but can not accurately be ascertained, as no minutes were kept by them. They were taken under the patronage of this society, on the 12th of December, 1820, and received every assistance and encouragement it could afford. Only occasional reports were received from it; and as far as these enable us to judge the school continued to flourish until about the time that church was suspended by a sale of the building they occupied, to another sect.
The place of that is more than supplied, by the establishment of a Sunday evening school for adult blacks. It was commenced on the 12th of May last, at the request of the Rev. Mr. Paul, by certain teachers of the several Sunday schools in this city, who are profess- ors of religion. The number on their books is 133; average number of attendants, 75; and, since their establishment, 6460 verses have been recited. It is now held in the Uranian hall, in a room free of expense, but too small to accommodate it. This circumstance renders it very disagreeable to teachers, and no doubt prevents its increase. Its teachers have made several ineffectual attempts to get a more convenient one. It is certainly among the most interesting of any in the city. Con- vinced of the value of learning, the scholars show an eagerness to obtain it, which at once encourages teachers in their instruction, and rewards them for their labor.
At the request of the Hon. S. Van Rensselaer, a Sun- day school was commenced on the 24th of May, 1818,
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Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
in the fifth ward; he having made a donation for that purpose of fifty dollars to this society. The number enrolled were 36 boys and 21 girls. For a time it . flourished, and, situated in the extremity of the city, like that in Washington street, was composed of that class of children for whom Sunday schools are peculiarly intended. The difficulty, however, of, obtaining a room for its accommodation, the exaction of enormous rents, and the reluctance shown by teachers to instruct it, cooperated in its destruction. It is feared that not many of its scholars have found their way into other Sunday schools; and it is hoped that the benevolent, who can find leisure from their other duties, will rebuild and make it permanent and useful.
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